Has anyone else found it difficult to find suitable employment?

2014-12-22T14:33:40-05:00

I have been separated for 6 months now, and I have applied to probably 100s of locations where I feel my skills properly translate. I have come up short time after time. Anyone else having the same problem?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 2:41 PM

2014-12-22T14:41:03-05:00

SPC Brandon Walker, have you considered taking a lower paying job while continuing to look for the ideal position that suits your skills?

Also, be sure to check out RallyPoint's Civilian Employment section, if you haven't already done so:

https://www.rallypoint.com/careers/civilian

RallyPoint | The Military's Professional Network

Response by PO3 Tim Starr made Dec 22 at 2014 8:18 PM

2014-12-22T20:18:47-05:00

I was unemployed for seven months. I one got 3 months unemployement.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 8:42 PM

2014-12-22T20:42:35-05:00

SPC Brandon Walker I went through the same thing in '09-10. If you like, connect to me and send me your CV. I'll review it and see if there are any blanks to fill. I've been working in headhunting for a while, so I could give you some pointers.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Dec 22 at 2014 10:36 PM

2014-12-22T22:36:02-05:00

I started in an entry level "clerical" position within and at the county I live in. From there, I met a lot of people. Attended trainings, and got involved with the union. When my dream job opened and I applied, they knew of my personality and work ethic. I couldn't be happier now. It was worth the year and a half at the lower pay grade, starting position. Just a thought.

Response by SSG Peter Muse made Dec 22 at 2014 10:36 PM

2014-12-22T22:36:30-05:00

Get with me. Let's see what we can do to help you find a position.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 23 at 2014 9:32 AM

2014-12-23T09:32:41-05:00

SPC Brandon Walker This is a great topic which, in my opinion, needs further exploration. I work for the Federal Government, but with a graduate degree in a related field know I am vastly under employed. I base my assertion on private sector employees, rate of pay, etc.

It is challenging for non-government organizations and even many government organizations to "fit" the highly developed and honed skills you posses based on training and experience in the military.

I wanted to and am happy with my Federal Government job, but hope my pay will increase soon.

There are a few resume services out there which specialize in translation of military to civilian skills. Military OneSource has http://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition/job-preparation-and-resume-writing?content_id=268519

Real Warriors has http://www.realwarriors.net/veterans/treatment/civilianresume.php

Military.com has http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/resume-writing/making-your-resume-interview-ready.html

Add to this the assistance which the VFW, DAV, American Legion, and the VA will provide and hopefully there is some help out there to ensure your translation obtains you the greatest degree of opportunity possible.

Be prepared to accept a position which pays less than you initially desire and also prove the strength of character which makes you an American warrior and you should have no issues.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Dec 23 at 2014 9:43 AM

2014-12-23T09:43:45-05:00

SPC Brandon Walker, hang in there. You are not the only one who has went through the "hard to find employment" blues. I would recommend going to the Department of Labor in your area and show them your DD-214. Being a veteran, nine times out of ten, make you more desirable to prospective employers than someone with a high school education. Does that mean they will hire you? It usually depends upon the employer. Whatever the case may be, don't give up! You have that advantage that most people don't have.

Response by Sgt Robert Kelly made Dec 23 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-12-23T12:00:48-05:00

I work in public transit. Its not a bad paying job. You can be a bus driver , mechanic, other jobs.
You might want to try the city web site where you live and see if they have any job openings.
I,ve been with Dallas arera rapaid transit for going on 40 years now. What ever you decide to
do good luck.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Dec 23 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-12-23T12:49:45-05:00

I had a difficult time getting picked up for a position once I retired in 2011. I was fortunate to be able to network with someone I had been stationed with in the past and he helped me get a temporary job that would last four months, substantially less pay than I was earning as an E7, and it was was necessary for me to relocate.

I continued to put my resume out there as much as possible, but at least I had a job while I searched for something permanent and more commensurate with the lifestyle my family and I were accustomed to.

My resume was picked up from USA Jobs and in March 2012 I began my position with SPAWAR.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Dec 23 at 2014 1:19 PM

2014-12-23T13:19:13-05:00

I've been separated since September, but discharge date was November and I've applied at over 20 different jobs, all with NO response. I finally lucked out with a direct hire from my husbands boss as a secretary at a law firm starting next month. Keep your head up, and always keep your resume updated. Are you using linkedin? usajobs.com?

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jul 10 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-07-10T13:16:14-04:00

Look deep into your skills. Anything can be properly translated to suit many careers.

Response by GySgt William Koch made Jul 10 at 2015 4:04 PM

2015-07-10T16:04:05-04:00

I find that with all the skills we learn in the military it is not hard to get Veterans jobs. The difficult part is getting Veterans to decide what they want to do! In the military we always had a mission and objective and we planned for success, but once we get out we forget about the whole objective and planning part. Look at your next career as your objective, decide what it is you want to do then plan to get in front of the people that can decide to hire you. I have been helping Veterans get employed for over six years and inevitably the one area that is lacking in those having problems getting employed is a clear vision of what they want to do.